Spinners R Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja produced a mesmerising spell as India crushed a clueless Australia by an innings and 135 runs in less than three and half days to win the second cricket Test and take an unassailable 2-0 lead in the four-match series here today.
Australia and Spinners: Chapter 2
Ashwin grabbed five for 63 while Ravindra Jadeja took three for 33 as Australia displayed surprising lack of fighting spirit to be skittled out for a meagre 131 in 67 overs in their second innings.
The match lasted only two hours on the fourth day as it was an abject surrender by the Australian batsmen who had no answer to the questions posed by Ashwin and Jadeja on a turning track at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium.
After the match, Australian skipper Michael Clarke showed his concern on his team’s performance,“India outplayed us in all facets of the game. We have our work cut out for us. The batsmen have to take responsibility. We haven’t scored enough runs in the first innings of both Test matches and that is unacceptable in the best batting conditions. There will be no break [between Tests]. Nothing but hard work. When India have had momentum, they have grabbed hold of that. We had guys get in but then their innings was cut short and that is unacceptable in these conditions.”
Whereas on the other hand, Captain cool MS Dhoni was all in praise for his team, “Bhuvneshwar gave us the start we needed. He bowled in very good areas. People talk about long partnership – very crucial that once you are settled, especially on wickets like these, look to make it a big innings. I think it was a complete, you could say very good bowling performances. Ishant gave us that very important breakthrough of Shane Watson. He is someone who can play big shots. Jadeja bowled well. Ashwin bowled well. As the ball got softer, the spinners came into play. Always said I have a very good side. End of the day, the whole team wins and credit goes to the support staff. Gary was there, who was brilliant, and now Duncan is there.”
For India, the performance in the two Tests till now leaves little room for the selectors to experiment. The only worry will be Virender Sehwag’s continuous poor form as they decide on the squad for the last two Test matches.
Tags: 2nd Test, Australia, India, Michael Clarke, MS Dhoni, R Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja, Spinners, Test Cricket, Virender Sehwag
